Commentary

AARP to the President and Congressional Leaders: Don’t Cut Social Security and Medicare to Reduce the Deficit


WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–July 12, 2011.  AARP CEO A. Barry Rand offered the following statement yesterday as key congressional leaders meet with the President today to discuss a framework for a deal to raise the debt ceiling and to address deficit reduction. AARP is focused on protecting Social Security and Medicare for the millions of beneficiaries who have paid into the systems over their working lives, and reiterates its position that Social Security and Medicare benefits should not be on the table for deficit reduction.

“AARP will not accept any cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits as part of a deal to pay the nation’s bills,” said Rand. “Social Security didn’t cause the deficit, so it shouldn’t be cut to reduce it. As the President and Congress work to negotiate a deal to raise the debt ceiling, AARP urges all lawmakers to reject any proposals that would cut the benefits seniors have earned through a lifetime of hard work.

“AARP also wants to make sure that Social Security is not cut through the back door, such as by reducing the cost of living adjustment which would translate into a loss of thousands of dollars for today’s seniors and reduce benefits for younger workers significantly.

“AARP opposes the chained CPI proposal because it would cut Social Security by $112 billion over the next ten years, and reduce benefits seniors have earned through hard work. Over the last two years, Social Security beneficiaries have not seen any increase in their monthly checks, even as they have faced rising costs in health care and other basic necessities.

“The deficit debate is not the time or the place to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. 

“In two days, AARP representatives from across the country will be coming to Capitol Hill to deliver a strong message that Social Security and Medicare should not be cut for deficit and debt reduction. Our members and their families worry about the impact that any debt negotiations may have on their benefits and on the benefits of their children and grandchildren,” Rand concluded.

Source: aarp.org


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